The United Arab Emirates rolls history and invention into a seamless experience. In Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stands out with its reflective pools, marble columns inlaid with floral patterns, and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet beneath domes that glow by night. On Saadiyat Island, the Louvre Abu Dhabi shelters art that spans civilizations, all beneath a dome designed to scatter sunlight like palm fronds.

Moulay Idriss sits on twin hills in northern Morocco, revered as one of the country’s most important spiritual centers.

Tulum, a jewel of the Riviera Maya, is a blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and pristine natural beauty. Perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, the Tulum Ruins stand as one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya civilization. The well-preserved El Castillo, Temple of the Frescoes, and Temple of the Descending God offer insight into the architectural prowess and spiritual life of the ancient Maya.

An essential passageway between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Panama Canal is an extraordinary technological landmark and a testament to human innovation. Built in the early twentieth century by American engineers, the canal weaves through the Panamanian isthmus and allows easy access for commercial freighters and cruise ships alike.

Kirkwall, the vibrant capital of the Orkney Islands, Scotland, is a place where history and culture intertwine with stunning natural landscapes. Founded by Norse settlers over a thousand years ago, Kirkwall is steeped in Viking heritage, with its centerpiece, the magnificent St. Magnus Cathedral, standing as a testament to the town’s medieval past.